Music festival hits right note for 15,000 revellers
THOUSANDS of music fans were swept off their feet as the BBC 6 Music festival hit Glasgow.
The event, which is held in a different city each year, brought some of the music world’s biggest names to a range of Glasgow’s most wellknown venues including the Barrowland and the O2 Academy.
More than 15,000 tickets for the weekend-long event sold out completely within 24 hours, however some shows were snapped up within a a matter of minutes.
The Jesus and Mary Chain wowed the crowd during their performance at the Barras on Friday night, sharing the bill with Ride, Sleaford Mods and War Paint.
On the same night, Goldfrapp, right, impressed with her charttopping synth music at the O2 Academy, and Sparks’ high energy show got the audience in the mood for a party.
The venue had been adorned with coloured branches and lights hanging from the balcony to create a stunning look.
Jane Simpson, 34, from Bridgeton, was watching Goldfrapp perform on Friday.
She said: “I absolutely love this event, it’s fantastic. I haven’t seen Goldfrapp before, and Sparks who performed as well were excellent.
“It’s been a really fun night and I’m glad I came.”
Yesterday, fans were queueing from midday to see Depeche Mode, with many bringing mats, blankets and cushions to sit on as they lined up round the block at the Barras.
Just opposite the venue, at the Barras Art and Design venue, others were enjoying a pre-show party, sipping cocktails and taking in the sunshine.
Liam Oliver, 38, had travelled up from Manchester for the weekend and had been at shows every night.
He said: “I have been to 6Music festivals before but this one is definitely one of the best.
“The range of bands they have got performing is phenomenal.”
HE continued: “Depeche mode will be a definite highlight for me. Particularly in this venue, everyone keeps telling me how great a venue it is so I’m really excited about it.”
Glasgow’s own Belle and Sebastian played for thousands last night at the O2 Academy, joined by Whitney and Julia Jacklin.
The Tramway played host to a range of daytime events over the weekend, including talks and workshops.
Craig Charles played a DJ set on Saturday afternoon, while breakfast show host Sean Keaveny chatted comedy with Limmy, Fern Brady and Scott Gibson.
Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai, Glasgow band Happy Meals, singer Emma Pollock and Paul Buchanan of The Blue Nile joined presenter Gideon Coe for a conversation about music and performing, attended by hundreds of fans.
Paul Rodgers, head of station at BBC 6 Music, said: There was such a big build up with the fringe events and it really prepared the ground.
“I can see there’s a real buzz about the festival. I was up for a few days before and I’ve witnessed that.
“It’s great and it’s the kind of city where people really enjoy going out and love music.
“On [Friday] I went to three venues and they were all full of really happy people. Different types of people depending on each venue
“This festival is different every time as it’s the 6 Music style but it’s also the music culture of Glasgow.
“You look at the bill and there’s a brilliant clutch of musicians, reflective of Scottish music and the alternative spirit that comes with that. It feels like a special gathering.”
Paul also thanked Glasgow City Council and all the venues and other partners for their collaboration to help make the event a success.